'Plantlab' Cookbook

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A plant-based cookbook.

Since plants need lots of sunlight to grow, we decided to shoot everything in this cookbook with daylight. No artificial lighting equipment was used, only natural light!

If your interested in learning how to create professional looking images with indirect daylight or direct sunlight only, check out my course on Domestika!

I really enjoyed working on this project. 30 days of shooting in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, capturing the essence of plant-based cuisine. We shot over 200 images to produce a 300 page book, published by Regan Arts.

PLANTLAB celebrates innovative plant-based cuisine. The 90-plus recipes employ a modern, creative approach organized in four sections that build on progressing skills: Fundamentals, Advanced, Professional and Future of Food.

Camera: Nikon D800E
Capture Software: CaptureOne
Lights: Indirect daylight and direct sunlight + light shaping tools

With textured surfaces like slate, it is important that the main light source crosses the surface at an angle
With textured surfaces like slate, it is important that the main light source crosses the surface at an angle
To reduce the length of the shadows, the light source should not be parallel to the food, but a bit higher up
To reduce the length of the shadows, the light source should not be parallel to the food, but a bit higher up
Overhead skylights only work with dark matte plates, but they are striking if you apply moisture to the surface (left)
Overhead skylights only work with dark matte plates, but they are striking if you apply moisture to the surface (left)
'Plantlab' Cookbook 5
Windows to the left and right of a subject work beautifully to highlight form and shape, whether it's a face or object
Windows to the left and right of a subject work beautifully to highlight form and shape, whether it's a face or object
Ideally, if you shoot against the light, have a white wall behind you that bounces the light back, to reduce contrast
Ideally, if you shoot against the light, have a white wall behind you that bounces the light back, to reduce contrast
If the main light source comes from the left, make sure you have a fill from the right (or a white wall) to reduce contrast
If the main light source comes from the left, make sure you have a fill from the right (or a white wall) to reduce contrast
Shallow depth of field can accentuate the shape of larger objects beautifully
Shallow depth of field can accentuate the shape of larger objects beautifully
To reduce darkness of the shadows, use a white fill card to the opposite of the main light source
To reduce darkness of the shadows, use a white fill card to the opposite of the main light source
Macro close up of purple broccoli
Macro close up of purple broccoli
Super macro close up of fresh Kale
Super macro close up of fresh Kale
I prefer to capture images in the kitchen with a slower shutter speed to convey the busy activities with a slight motion blur
I prefer to capture images in the kitchen with a slower shutter speed to convey the busy activities with a slight motion blur
Since kitchens often have fluorescent overhead lights, Black & White conversions work very well and are a lovey graphic tool
Since kitchens often have fluorescent overhead lights, Black & White conversions work very well and are a lovey graphic tool
Nothing beats the talent of an exceptional chef or food stylist: Green peas, pistachio yogurt and edible flowers
Nothing beats the talent of an exceptional chef or food stylist: Green peas, pistachio yogurt and edible flowers
My favorite dish to eat: Kale Polenta
My favorite dish to eat: Kale Polenta
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